Fall 2017: Wednesdays, 1:15 - 4:05pm, Location TBD
This two-credit course will prepare you to become a GEM (Giga Education Mentor) in the MaGE computer science peer education program at Mount Holyoke College. The course will introduce you to theoretical constructs of learning, peer mentoring roles, and strategies for giving candid feedback. The class will provide opportunities, through observation, experience, and reflection, to practice peer mentoring in a supportive environment and develop skills in reviewing code, giving written and spoken feedback, and teaching with active learning. Class meetings will be of a blend of discussion, skill-building tutorials and activities, and self-reflection. There are no textbooks to purchase for this class. All readings are available on the course website.1) Our course’s success depends upon serious collective engagement and an open, supportive atmosphere in which generative intellectual exchange can occur. Therefore, not only is complete preparation essential, but class participation, attentive listening, and active participation in all group activities are necessary to facilitate a dynamic interchange of ideas and opinions. 2) In addition to individual preparation, reading, engagement, and homework, this course requires everyone to work with partners on a few specific assignments. We expect for each of these assignments that you will coordinate with your partner and that each partner in a pair will contribute equal effort and time. Being able to communicate and work effectively with another person is one of the skills students should be developing in this course.3) Regular attendance is critical, in particular because this class meets only once a week and for only half a semester. Absences will be excused for the following reasons: illness, observance of a religious holiday, or serious personal emergency. You must notify the instructors if you will be absent, and you should also remember that you are responsible for all missed work. Unexcused absence or lateness will result in a substantially lower final grade in the course. If you have more than two unexcused absences, you will fail the course. 4) All work should be submitted by the deadlines specified. Late homework will receive a maximum of 80%. If you have trouble meeting any of the requirements of the course for any reason, please see an instructor during office hours or contact us to arrange an appointment. 5) Should you have any problems or questions during the course of the semester, we are available during office hours and via email. For each topic we will be discussing in class, there will be at least one required reading and additional supplemental readings. You are expected to read the required reading for each topic so that you have some context for class discussions.After our first class meeting, you will sign up in pairs to lead at least one discussion topic. You and your partner will read both the required and the supplemental readings for the topic you select. This will provide you with an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the topic and help you practice some of the teaching skills you will use in leading active learning sessions as a GEM. (See more about leading class discussions on the Leading Discussion assignment page.)While we encourage you to use the supplemental readings to delve more deeply into the topics we cover in this class, you are only required to read them for the topic you are leading.Each student in this course is responsible for leading the class discussion on one of the topics we will be covering. In most cases, this is something you will do with a partner. For more information, see the Leading Discussion assignment page.A portfolio of your MaGE Training coursework is due upon culmination of the course. The portfolio comprises: * 3 written reflections (expanded and revised versions of three after-class written reflections) * 2 written practice code reviews (potentially revised after initial submission of reviews #2 and #3) * mentorship scenario (potentially revised after initial submission) * a final project (ALM or topic module)There will be designated time throughout the semester to begin discussing or working on all four parts. You will need to spend time outside of class to finish them. Final portfolios are due by 5pm on October 20.Your grade for the course will be determined as follows:* 25% Class participation, engagement, and effort* 25% Homework and after-class reflections (not including code reviews #2 and #3)* 8% Leading class discussion* 42% MaGE Training Course Portfolio * 10% written reflection revisions * 8% code reviews * 12% mid-course project: scripted scenario * 12% final project: ALM or topic modulePlease note that completing this course is a requirement for being a GEM, but it does not guarantee that you will become a GEM. If you have a disability for which you require accommodations, please make an appointment to see an instructor within the first week of classes so that we can make appropriate arrangements. You will need to have a letter from the AccessAbility Services Office, located in Wilder Hall B4 (phone: 413-538-2634, Accessability-services@mtholyoke.edu).